Hanamikoji Geisha District In The Evening
- Kyoto
- 29 Aug, 2025
The best place to see geisha in Kyoto is Hanami-koji on the south side of Shijo-dori. A stroll through in the evening will usually yield at least one sighting.
[Gion district by night: Benny Marty /
Shutterstock.com]
In recent years “geisha spotting” has become all too popular in Kyoto and we can sympathize with locals who don’t take kindly to groups of foreigners milling around outside their establishment and hassling geisha who are in a hurry to get to appointments.
A few rowdier sorts have even gone as far as grabbing geisha by their kimono to stop them for pictures, and even putting their arms around their shoulders, as though they were posing with old friends. Needless to say, this gives all foreigners a bad name.
We recommend a much more subtle approach: grab your camera and merely take a slow stroll along Hanami-koji from Shijo-dori to Kennin-ji Temple. You’ll most likely be rewarded with one or two sightings. And if you really want experience the world of Kyoto’s geisha, it’s better to do it the right way: by arranging for an evening of geisha entertainment with Chris Rowthorn Tours.
Where Is This Place Located?
- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you’re using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Hanamikoji Geisha District is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama
district. See our complete list of things
to do in Southern Higashiyama, including
places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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Kyoto Walking Tour: Gion Evening Walk
Discover the world of the geisha in this atmospheric evening walk in
Gion, the “Floating World” of Kyoto.
(Two hours duration. Price: 20,000 Yen)More Details About The
Tour
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.